EP1836465B1 - Device and method for controlling the loading and/or unloading process of an aeroplane - Google Patents

Device and method for controlling the loading and/or unloading process of an aeroplane Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1836465B1
EP1836465B1 EP06700778A EP06700778A EP1836465B1 EP 1836465 B1 EP1836465 B1 EP 1836465B1 EP 06700778 A EP06700778 A EP 06700778A EP 06700778 A EP06700778 A EP 06700778A EP 1836465 B1 EP1836465 B1 EP 1836465B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
aircraft
freight
cargo
weight
piece
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EP06700778A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1836465A1 (en
Inventor
Ronald Tietjen
Torsten Eilts
Ekkehard Zischow
Norbert Palubitzki
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Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH
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Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D9/00—Equipment for handling freight; Equipment for facilitating passenger embarkation or the like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/02—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
    • G01G19/07—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles for weighing aircraft
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
    • G01G23/36—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells
    • G01G23/37—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
    • G01G23/3728—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting with wireless means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M1/00—Testing static or dynamic balance of machines or structures
    • G01M1/12—Static balancing; Determining position of centre of gravity
    • G01M1/122—Determining position of centre of gravity
    • G01M1/125—Determining position of centre of gravity of aircraft

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the loading and / or unloading process of an aircraft.
  • the weight and / or the center of gravity of an aircraft change.
  • the total weight is one of the crucial parameters for calculating the required fuel quantity, while the center of gravity has a special influence on the flight characteristics and the maneuverability and must therefore be located in a defined region of the aircraft. It should also be noted that the center of gravity must also be within a prescribed range during loading and unloading, for example, to prevent a tail touch of the aircraft with the ground.
  • the weight and center of gravity of the aircraft in loaded condition is determined in advance by means of a loading schedule in which cargo items are assigned positions in the cargo space.
  • cargo item is understood to mean the smallest distinguishable units, which are also referred to as ULD (Unit Load Device). These may be, for example, pallets, containers, individual pieces of luggage or other items.
  • the object of the present invention to provide an improved system for controlling the loading and / or unloading process of an aircraft while avoiding the above-mentioned disadvantages.
  • a cargo loaded or to be loaded into the aircraft is identified, a weight is assigned to the cargo, the position of the cargo within the aircraft is tracked, and the total weight and / or center of gravity of the aircraft information provided and the aircraft Weights and positions of freight calculated.
  • the aircraft information is, for example, information about the weight and the center of gravity of the empty aircraft, data on the weight and location of the fuel and other objects and liquids such as drinking water or catering cars.
  • a device has means for identifying a freight item introduced or to be brought into the aircraft, at least one interface for connecting the device to at least one system for determining the freight item position and at least one arithmetic unit for calculating the total weight and / or the center of gravity of the aircraft from provided aircraft information as well as the weights and positions of the freight items.
  • the arithmetic unit is also referred to as WCU (Weight Calculation Unit).
  • WCU Weight Calculation Unit
  • the determination or tracking of the position of the freight item within the aircraft preferably takes place by means of a freight loading system.
  • a cargo loading system is a known system on board an aircraft by means of which the freight items can be transported and fixed.
  • such a system has actuators such as roller conveyors (PDUs) for moving the freight items and, on the other hand, sensors such as cover sensors of the PDUs or proximity switches for determining the position of the freight items.
  • the sensor data possibly in processed form, are transmitted via the interface to the WCU.
  • This allows the W & B system to track the freight item location.
  • the position determination can additionally be effected by further sensors or other devices, such as, for example, image acquisition and processing.
  • the W & B system is preferably connected to the cargo loading system via the CAN bus (Controller Area Network).
  • Alternative systems for determining or tracking the position of the freight item within the aircraft are, for example, laser-based or infrared-based systems, ultrasound systems or optical systems based on image recognition.
  • the future center of gravity of the aircraft is predicted from the aircraft information, the weights and positions of the cargo, and the status of the cargo loading system. From the current position of the freight item and the conveying direction of the PDUs, the future position of the freight item can be extrapolated, whereby critical loading conditions can be recognized even before they occur.
  • the aircraft information and / or the weights of the freight items are for example recorded manually, recorded via a cable or a data carrier or received by infrared or radio.
  • the device preferably has an interface to an aircraft data bus, for example an AFDX bus (Avionics Full Duplex Network), via which the WCU the information is provided. This is done, for example, by the EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System).
  • the identification of the freight items for example, by means of a keyboard, a touch screen, a bar code reader and / or a receiver for infrared or radio signals such as a RFID receiver (Radio Frequency IDentification).
  • the identification of a freight item already takes place immediately before entering the cargo compartment, for example on a lifting platform or a conveyor such as a conveyor belt directly in front of the cargo compartment door.
  • a lifting platform or a conveyor such as a conveyor belt directly in front of the cargo compartment door.
  • the identification is also optionally used to check the loading order provided in the loading plan. This ensures that the packages are loaded in the correct order and do not block the final destination or transport path of a later-to-arrive package, which could result in partial unloading of the cargo compartment.
  • the information that a cargo has been identified and retracted into the aircraft is reported to the logistics system to enable tracking of freight in the logistics chain.
  • the weights of the packages are determined, for example, by means of scales in the airport loading system or along the logistics chain and entered into the W & B system by means of a keyboard, a touchscreen, a barcode reader and / or a receiver for infrared or radio signals such as an RFID receiver , Alternatively, the respective weight is noted on the corresponding piece of freight and is read in the identification.
  • the weight is determined and / or verified by a scale arranged in the aircraft.
  • the balance is arranged, for example, in the area of the ball mats on the cargo compartment door.
  • the W & B system has at least one display device for displaying the weight and / or center of gravity of the aircraft.
  • This display device may stand alone, combined with an input means such as a keyboard, a bar code reader or a receiver or in an operating and control console be integrated.
  • existing devices such as the EICAS or other control and control consoles are used for display.
  • the weight of a freight item, all freight items in a freight deck and / or the freight items in all cargo spaces can be displayed.
  • a visual and / or audible alarm or issue a warning in critical situations can occur, for example, at the risk of a situation referred to as tail tip, in which threatens the rear of the aircraft during loading or unloading in contact with the ground.
  • the alarm could be triggered if the center of gravity of the aircraft threatens to move away from the permissible range or threatens to leave, which leads to a deteriorated attitude and the need for strong countersteering in flight.
  • the W & B system is connected to an internal maintenance system (OMS: Onboard Maintenance System).
  • OMS Onboard Maintenance System
  • the positions of the freight items are optionally compared with the loading schedule. As a result, compliance with the loading plan can be verified or the absence of a freight item recognized. A freight item not listed in the loading plan can already be identified when it is identified when it is brought into the cargo hold. Optionally, it is possible to store past, present and predicted load states for informational purposes.
  • a means for identifying an inserted freight item is preferably arranged in the region of each cargo compartment door.
  • the calculation of the weight and / or the center of gravity takes place, for example, by means of a single arithmetic unit.
  • Each WCU preferably determines the weight and the weight distribution of the freight items contained in the associated cargo space or the associated cargo spaces and transmits this data to the master WCU, which calculates therefrom the total weight and / or the center of gravity of the aircraft.
  • each of the WCUs receives data from all cargo holds and calculates the overall weight and / or center of gravity of the aircraft. This results in a redundancy of the calculation.
  • FIG. 1 a distributed W & B system with multiple WCUs
  • This embodiment shows the use of a W & B system according to the invention in an Airbus A380-800.
  • Aircraft of this type are equipped with an AFDX data bus 10 and have a total of four cargo decks (main deck, upper deck, lower deck front and lower deck rear).
  • AFDX data bus 10 main deck, upper deck, lower deck front and lower deck rear.
  • a distributed system is used, in which each cargo deck is equipped with a WCU 1-4.
  • the WCUs are interconnected via a CAN bus 15 in a master-slave arrangement, the master WCU 1 additionally having an interface for connection to the AFDX bus 10.
  • the EICAS 9 also connected to this bus, provides the WCUs 1 - 4 with basic information such as the weight and center of gravity of the unloaded aircraft, the weight and location of the fuel and other items.
  • OCS onboard maintenance system
  • the WCUs 1 - 4 are furthermore connected to the door area control boxes (DCB) 11 - 14 and thus to the freight loading systems in the individual cargo decks.
  • the DCBs are used to control the roller conveyors in the cargo hold, for example by means of a joystick.
  • the WCUs 1-4 are also connected to RFID readers 5-8. By means of the RFID reader 5 - 8, the freight items introduced into the cargo holds are identified. For each piece of freight in the WCUs 1 - 4 the respective weight is stored.
  • the components associated with a cargo deck are each framed with a dashed quadrangle.
  • the WCU 1 receives from EICAS 9 the basic data about the unloaded aircraft. If a new freight item is loaded into the aircraft, the identification of the freight item is read out via RFID and a weight is assigned to the freight item in the WCU assigned to the freight deck. Using this weight and the information on previously loaded cargo, WCUs 1 - 4 calculate the weight and weight distribution of the cargo in the respective cargo deck and communicate that data to WCU 1, which calculates the total weight and / or center of gravity of the aircraft and cargo. These values can be transmitted via the AFDX bus 10 to the EICAS 9 and displayed in the cockpit, as well as via the CAN bus 15 to the DCBs 11-14 to be displayed in the individual cargo decks.
  • the cargo With the help of the cargo loading system, the cargo is transported within the cargo deck to its final position. Sensors of the freight loading system constantly record the current position and report this via the CAN bus 15 to the responsible WCU. The latter continuously calculates the current center of gravity of the freight items in the cargo deck from this data and transmits them to the master WCU 1. This continuously calculates the weight and / or the center of gravity of the aircraft and compares these values with specified limit values. Should these be exceeded, the roller conveyors of the cargo loading systems are stopped and / or a corresponding alarm is triggered. By recording the final positions of the freight items, compliance with the loading plan can be checked and, if necessary, rectified.
  • the W & B system receives, in addition to the weight of the freight items, their respective center of gravity, whereby an even more accurate calculation of the center of gravity of the aircraft is possible.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the loading and/or unloading process of an aeroplane. According to the invention, a parcel introduced into the aeroplane is identified, a weight is associated with the parcel, the position of the parcel inside the airplane is monitored, and the total weight and/or center of gravity of the aeroplane is calculated from the aeroplane information provided and the weights and positions of the parcels.

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical area

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Kontrolle des Be- und/oder Entladeprozesses eines Flugzeugs.The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the loading and / or unloading process of an aircraft.

In Abhängigkeit von der Beladungssituation ändern sich das Gewicht und/oder der Schwerpunkt eines Flugzeugs. Das Gesamtgewicht ist einer der entscheidenden Parameter für die Berechnung der benötigten Treibstoffmenge, während der Schwerpunkt besonderen Einfluss auf die Flugeigenschaften sowie die Manövrierbarkeit hat und sich daher in einer definierten Region des Flugzeugs befinden muss. Weiterhin ist zu beachten, dass der Schwerpunkt auch während des Be- und Entladens in einem vorgeschriebenen Bereich liegen muss, um beispielsweise eine Heckberührung des Flugzeugs mit dem Boden (Tail Tip) zu verhindern.Depending on the loading situation, the weight and / or the center of gravity of an aircraft change. The total weight is one of the crucial parameters for calculating the required fuel quantity, while the center of gravity has a special influence on the flight characteristics and the maneuverability and must therefore be located in a defined region of the aircraft. It should also be noted that the center of gravity must also be within a prescribed range during loading and unloading, for example, to prevent a tail touch of the aircraft with the ground.

Das Gewicht und der Schwerpunkt des Flugzeugs in beladenem Zustand wird im Vorfeld mittels eines Beladeplans ermittelt, bei dem den Frachtstücken Positionen im Laderaum zugewiesen werden. Dabei werden unter dem Begriff Frachtstück die kleinsten unterscheidbaren Einheiten verstanden, die auch als ULD (Unit Load Device) bezeichnet werden. Dabei kann es sich beispielsweise um Paletten, Container, einzelne Gepäckstücke oder sonstige Gegenstände handeln.The weight and center of gravity of the aircraft in loaded condition is determined in advance by means of a loading schedule in which cargo items are assigned positions in the cargo space. The term "freight item" is understood to mean the smallest distinguishable units, which are also referred to as ULD (Unit Load Device). These may be, for example, pallets, containers, individual pieces of luggage or other items.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Aufgrund des kritischen Einflusses von Gewicht und Schwerpunktlage auf die Flugleistungen ist eine Kontrolle der Beladung notwendig. Dazu sind bislang ausschließlich fahrwerksbezogene Systeme bekannt, die mit Drucksensoren oder Dehnungsmessstreifen im Bereich der Fahrwerke arbeiten. Aus den Messergebnissen kann auf das Gesamtgewicht des Flugzeugs sowie die Schwerpunktlage geschlossen werden.Due to the critical influence of weight and center of gravity on the flight performance, it is necessary to check the load. For this purpose, only chassis-related systems are known so far, with pressure sensors or strain gauges work in the area of the landing gear. From the measurement results can be concluded on the total weight of the aircraft and the center of gravity.

Derartige Systeme weisen eine Reihe von Nachteilen auf. So ist ein mechanischer und elektrischer Eingriff in das Fahrwerk, eines der wesentlichsten Teilsysteme eines Flugzeugs, notwendig. Außerdem ergibt sich durch das relativ hohe Flugzeugleergewicht im Verhältnis zu den einzelnen Frachtstücken eine begrenzte Genauigkeit, die durch die Anfälligkeit gegenüber Wind-, Regen- und Schneelasten noch weiter verringert wird. Des Weiteren kann der Einfluss eines Frachtstücks erst dann ermittelt werden, wenn es sich bereits an Bord befindet. Erst zu diesem Zeitpunkt zeigt sich, ob Frachtstücke verschoben oder gar ausgeladen werden müssen.Such systems have a number of disadvantages. Thus, a mechanical and electrical intervention in the chassis, one of the essential subsystems of an aircraft, necessary. In addition, the relatively high aircraft dead weight relative to the individual pieces of freight results in limited accuracy, which is further reduced by susceptibility to wind, rain and snow loads. Furthermore, the influence of a cargo can only be determined if it is already on board. Only then does it become clear whether freight has to be moved or even unloaded.

Dokument US-A-2004/226996 offenbart ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zur Kontrolle des Beladungsprozesses eines Flugzeugs. Die Dokumente WO-A-01/90707 und US-A-4446524 befassen sich mit der Erstellung eines Beladeplans für ein Flugzeug.document US-A-2004/226996 discloses a method and apparatus for controlling the loading process of an aircraft. The documents WO-A-01/90707 and US-A-4446524 deal with the creation of a loading plan for an aircraft.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Daher ergibt sich die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein verbessertes System zur Kontrolle des Be- und/oder Entladeprozesses eines Flugzeugs unter Vermeidung der oben genannten Nachteile bereitzustellen.Therefore, the object of the present invention to provide an improved system for controlling the loading and / or unloading process of an aircraft while avoiding the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Gelöst wird die Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß durch ein Verfahren gemäß dem Patentanspruch 1 und eine Vorrichtung gemäß dem Patentanspruch 10. Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungsformen sind den abhängigen Patentansprüchen zu entnehmen. Im Folgenden wird eine gattungsgemäße Vorrichtung auch als W&B-System (Weight & Balance) bezeichnet.The object is achieved according to the invention by a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 10. Further advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims. Hereinafter, a generic device is also referred to as W & B system (Weight & Balance).

Bei der Kontrolle des Be- und/oder Entladeprozesses wird ein in das Flugzeug eingebrachtes oder einzubringendes Frachtstück identifiziert, dem Frachtstück ein Gewicht zugeordnet, die Position des Frachtstücks innerhalb des Flugzeugs verfolgt und das Gesamtgewicht und/oder der Schwerpunkt des Flugzeugs aus bereitgestellten Flugzeuginformationen sowie den Gewichten und Positionen der Frachtstücke berechnet. Bei den Flugzeuginformationen handelt es sich beispielsweise um Informationen über das Gewicht und den Schwerpunkt des leeren Flugzeugs, Daten über Gewicht und Lagerort des Treibstoffs sowie sonstiger Gegenstände und Flüssigkeiten wie beispielsweise Trinkwasser oder Catering-Wagen.In controlling the loading and / or unloading process, a cargo loaded or to be loaded into the aircraft is identified, a weight is assigned to the cargo, the position of the cargo within the aircraft is tracked, and the total weight and / or center of gravity of the aircraft information provided and the aircraft Weights and positions of freight calculated. The aircraft information is, for example, information about the weight and the center of gravity of the empty aircraft, data on the weight and location of the fuel and other objects and liquids such as drinking water or catering cars.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung weist auf Mittel zur Identifizierung eines in das Flugzeug eingebrachten oder einzubringenden Frachtstücks, mindestens eine Schnittstel-le zum Anschluss der Vorrichtung an mindestens ein System zur Ermittlung der Frachtstückposition und mindestens eine Recheneinheit zur Berechnung des Gesamtgewichts und/oder des Schwerpunkts des Flugzeugs aus bereitgestellten Flugzeuginformationen sowie den Gewichten und Positionen der Frachtstücke. Die Recheneinheit wird auch als WCU (Weight Calculation Unit) bezeichnet.
Die Ermittlung beziehungsweise Verfolgung der Position des Frachtstücks innerhalb des Flugzeugs erfolgt bevorzugt mittels eines Frachtladesystems. Bei einem Frachtladesystem handelt es sich um ein bekanntes System an Bord eines Flugzeugs, mittels dessen die Frachtstücke befördert und fixiert werden können. Ein solches System verfügt einerseits über Aktoren wie Rollenförderer (PDU, Power Drive Unit) zur Bewegung der Frachtstücke und andererseits über Sensoren wie beispielsweise Überdeckungssensoren der PDUs oder Näherungsschalter zur Bestimmung der Position der Frachtstücke. Die Sensordaten werden, eventuell in aufbereiteter Form, über die Schnittstelle an die WCU übertragen. Dadurch kann das W&B-System die Frachtstückposition verfolgen. Die Positionsbestimmung kann zusätzlich durch weitere Sensoren oder sonstige Vorrichtungen, wie beispielsweise eine Bilderfassung und -verarbeitung erfolgen. Das W&B-System ist bevorzugt über den CAN-Bus (Controller Area Network) mit dem Frachtladesystem verbunden.A device according to the invention has means for identifying a freight item introduced or to be brought into the aircraft, at least one interface for connecting the device to at least one system for determining the freight item position and at least one arithmetic unit for calculating the total weight and / or the center of gravity of the aircraft from provided aircraft information as well as the weights and positions of the freight items. The arithmetic unit is also referred to as WCU (Weight Calculation Unit).
The determination or tracking of the position of the freight item within the aircraft preferably takes place by means of a freight loading system. A cargo loading system is a known system on board an aircraft by means of which the freight items can be transported and fixed. On the one hand, such a system has actuators such as roller conveyors (PDUs) for moving the freight items and, on the other hand, sensors such as cover sensors of the PDUs or proximity switches for determining the position of the freight items. The sensor data, possibly in processed form, are transmitted via the interface to the WCU. This allows the W & B system to track the freight item location. The position determination can additionally be effected by further sensors or other devices, such as, for example, image acquisition and processing. The W & B system is preferably connected to the cargo loading system via the CAN bus (Controller Area Network).

Alternative Systeme zur Ermittlung beziehungsweise Verfolgung der Position des Frachtstücks innerhalb des Flugzeugs sind zum Beispiel laser- oder infrarotbasierte Systeme, Ultraschallsysteme oder optische Systeme auf Basis von Bilderkennung.Alternative systems for determining or tracking the position of the freight item within the aircraft are, for example, laser-based or infrared-based systems, ultrasound systems or optical systems based on image recognition.

Optional wird aus den Flugzeuginformationen, den Gewichten und Positionen der Frachtstücke und dem Status des Frachtladesystems der zukünftige Schwerpunkt des Flugzeugs prognostiziert. Aus der aktuellen Position des Frachtstücks und der Förderrichtung der PDUs ist die zukünftige Position des Frachtstücks extrapolierbar, wodurch kritische Beladezustände bereits vor deren Eintreten erkennbar sind.Optionally, the future center of gravity of the aircraft is predicted from the aircraft information, the weights and positions of the cargo, and the status of the cargo loading system. From the current position of the freight item and the conveying direction of the PDUs, the future position of the freight item can be extrapolated, whereby critical loading conditions can be recognized even before they occur.

Die Flugzeuginformationen und/oder die Gewichte der Frachtstücke werden beispielsweise manuell erfasst, über ein Kabel oder einen Datenträger eingespielt oder per infrarot beziehungsweise Funk empfangen. Bevorzugt weist die Vorrichtung jedoch eine Schnittstelle zu einem Flugzeug-Datenbus, beispielsweise einem AFDX-Bus (Avionics Full Duplex Network) auf, über den der WCU die Informationen bereitgestellt werden. Dies erfolgt zum Beispiel durch das EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System).The aircraft information and / or the weights of the freight items are for example recorded manually, recorded via a cable or a data carrier or received by infrared or radio. However, the device preferably has an interface to an aircraft data bus, for example an AFDX bus (Avionics Full Duplex Network), via which the WCU the information is provided. This is done, for example, by the EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System).

Es ist auch eine ständige Aktualisierung möglich, wie sie unter anderem während des Betankungsvorgangs sinnvoll ist.It is also a constant update possible, as it makes sense during the refueling process, among other things.

Die Identifizierung der Frachtstücke erfolgt beispielsweise mittels einer Tastatur, eines Touchscreens, eines Strichcodelesers und/oder eines Empfängers für Infrarot- oder Funksignale wie zum Beispiel einem RFID-Empfänger (Radio Frequency IDentification). In einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung erfolgt die Identifizierung eines Frachtstücks bereits unmittelbar vor dem Einfahren in den Frachtraum, beispielsweise auf einer Hebebühne oder einer Fördereinrichtung wie einem Förderband direkt vor der Frachtraumtür. Somit ist die Prognose des Gewichts und/oder des Schwerpunkts des Flugzeugs schon vor dem Einfahren des Frachtstücks möglich. Eine Warnung des Beladepersonals oder ein Abschalten des Frachtladesystems kann somit erfolgen, bevor das Frachtstück in das Flugzeug eingefahren wird und einen unerwünschten Beladungszustand verursacht.The identification of the freight items, for example, by means of a keyboard, a touch screen, a bar code reader and / or a receiver for infrared or radio signals such as a RFID receiver (Radio Frequency IDentification). In one embodiment of the invention, the identification of a freight item already takes place immediately before entering the cargo compartment, for example on a lifting platform or a conveyor such as a conveyor belt directly in front of the cargo compartment door. Thus, the forecast of the weight and / or the center of gravity of the aircraft before the arrival of the freight is possible. A warning of the loading staff or a shutdown of the cargo loading system can thus be done before the cargo is retracted into the aircraft and causes an undesirable loading condition.

Die Identifizierung wird weiterhin optional dazu genutzt, die im Beladeplan vorgesehene Beladereihenfolge zu überprüfen. Somit wird sichergestellt, dass die Frachtstücke in der richtigen Reihenfolge eingeladen werden und die Endpostion oder den Transportweg eines später einzufahrenden Frachtstücks nicht blockieren, was zu einem teilweisen Ausladen des Frachtraums führen könnte. Optional wird die Information, dass ein Frachtstück identifiziert und in das Flugzeug eingefahren wurde, an das Logistiksystem gemeldet, um ein Verfolgen von Frachtstücken in der Logistikkette zu ermöglichen.The identification is also optionally used to check the loading order provided in the loading plan. This ensures that the packages are loaded in the correct order and do not block the final destination or transport path of a later-to-arrive package, which could result in partial unloading of the cargo compartment. Optionally, the information that a cargo has been identified and retracted into the aircraft is reported to the logistics system to enable tracking of freight in the logistics chain.

Die Gewichte der Frachtstücke werden beispielsweise mittels Waagen im Verladesystem des Flughafens oder im Verlauf der Logistikkette bestimmt und dem W&B-System mittels einer Tastatur, eines Touchscreens, eines Strichcodelesers und/oder eines Empfängers für Infrarot- oder Funksignale wie zum Beispiel einem RFID-Empfänger eingegeben. Alternativ ist das jeweilige Gewicht auf dem entsprechenden Frachtstück vermerkt und wird bei der Identifizierung eingelesen. Optional wird das Gewicht durch eine im Flugzeug angeordnete Waage ermittelt und/oder verifiziert. Die Waage ist beispielsweise im Bereich der Kugelmatten an der Frachtraumtür angeordnet.The weights of the packages are determined, for example, by means of scales in the airport loading system or along the logistics chain and entered into the W & B system by means of a keyboard, a touchscreen, a barcode reader and / or a receiver for infrared or radio signals such as an RFID receiver , Alternatively, the respective weight is noted on the corresponding piece of freight and is read in the identification. Optionally, the weight is determined and / or verified by a scale arranged in the aircraft. The balance is arranged, for example, in the area of the ball mats on the cargo compartment door.

In vorteilhafter Weise verfügt das W&B-System über mindestens eine Anzeigevorrichtung zum Anzeigen des Gewichts und/oder Schwerpunkts des Flugzeugs. Diese Anzeigevorrichtung kann für sich alleine stehen, mit einem Eingabemittel wie einer Tastatur, einem Strichcodeleser oder einem Empfänger kombiniert oder in eine Bedien- und Kontrollkonsole integriert sein. Weiterhin ist es möglich, dass zur Anzeige bereits existierende Vorrichtungen, wie das EICAS oder sonstige Bedien- und Kontrollkonsolen verwendet werden. Angezeigt werden können alternativ oder zusätzlich das Gewicht eines Frachtstücks, aller Frachtstücke in einem Frachtdeck und/oder der Frachtstücke in allen Frachträumen.Advantageously, the W & B system has at least one display device for displaying the weight and / or center of gravity of the aircraft. This display device may stand alone, combined with an input means such as a keyboard, a bar code reader or a receiver or in an operating and control console be integrated. Furthermore, it is possible that existing devices such as the EICAS or other control and control consoles are used for display. Alternatively or additionally, the weight of a freight item, all freight items in a freight deck and / or the freight items in all cargo spaces can be displayed.

Außerdem bietet sich an, in kritischen Situationen einen visuellen und / oder akustischen Alarm auszulösen oder eine Warnung auszugeben. Dies kann beispielsweise bei der Gefahr einer als Tail Tip bezeichneten Situation erfolgen, bei der das Heck des Flugzeugs bei Be- oder Entladen in Kontakt mit dem Boden zu kommen droht. Weiterhin könnte der Alarm ausgelöst werden, falls sich der Schwerpunkt des Flugzeugs aus dem zulässigen Bereich entfernt oder zu entfernen droht, was zu einer verschlechterten Fluglage und der Notwendigkeit starken Gegensteuerns im Flug führt.In addition, it is advisable to trigger a visual and / or audible alarm or issue a warning in critical situations. This can occur, for example, at the risk of a situation referred to as tail tip, in which threatens the rear of the aircraft during loading or unloading in contact with the ground. Furthermore, the alarm could be triggered if the center of gravity of the aircraft threatens to move away from the permissible range or threatens to leave, which leads to a deteriorated attitude and the need for strong countersteering in flight.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltungsform ist das W&B-System mit einem internen Wartungssystem (OMS: Onboard Maintenance System) verbunden. Auf diese Weise lässt sich im Fehlerfall eine einfache Diagnose unter Zuhilfenahme eines bekannten und vertrauten Wartungssystems vornehmen.In a further advantageous embodiment, the W & B system is connected to an internal maintenance system (OMS: Onboard Maintenance System). In this way, in the event of a fault, a simple diagnosis can be carried out with the aid of a known and familiar maintenance system.

Neben der Bestimmung des Gewichts und/oder Schwerpunkts des Flugzeugs werden optional die Positionen der Frachtstücke mit dem Beladungsplan verglichen. Dadurch lässt sich die Einhaltung des Beladeplans verifizieren oder das Fehlen eines Frachtstücks erkennen. Ein nicht im Beladeplan aufgeführtes Frachtstück ist bereits bei seiner Identifizierung beim Einbringen in den Frachtraum erkennbar. Optional ist es möglich, zu Informationszwecken vergangene, momentane und prognostizierte Beladungszustände zu speichern.In addition to determining the weight and / or the center of gravity of the aircraft, the positions of the freight items are optionally compared with the loading schedule. As a result, compliance with the loading plan can be verified or the absence of a freight item recognized. A freight item not listed in the loading plan can already be identified when it is identified when it is brought into the cargo hold. Optionally, it is possible to store past, present and predicted load states for informational purposes.

Mit dem vorstehend beschriebenen W&B-System lässt sich die Beladung sowohl von einem als auch von mehreren Frachträumen eines Flugzeugs kontrollieren. Bei der Kontrolle mehrer Frachträume ist bevorzugt im Bereich jeder Frachtraumtür ein Mittel zur Identifizierung eines eingebrachten Frachtstücks angeordnet. Die Berechnung des Gewichts und/oder des Schwerpunkts erfolgt beispielsweise mittels einer einzigen Recheneinheit.With the W & B system described above, the loading of both one and more cargo holds of an aircraft can be controlled. When controlling a plurality of cargo compartments, a means for identifying an inserted freight item is preferably arranged in the region of each cargo compartment door. The calculation of the weight and / or the center of gravity takes place, for example, by means of a single arithmetic unit.

Neben dieser zentral organisierten Struktur des W&B-Systems, bei der eine WCU sämtliche Frachträume überwacht, besteht weiterhin die Möglichkeit einer Untergliederung der Vorrichtung in Subsysteme, die in den einzelnen Frachträumen angeordnet und untereinander mittels eines Bus-Systems verbunden sind. Auch hierfür bietet sich der CAN-Bus an. Dabei sind die WCUs in vorteilhafter Weise in Master-Slave-Anordnung vernetzt, wobei nur der Master über eine Schnittstelle zur Verbindung mit dem AFDX-Bus des Flugzeugs verfügt. Dadurch muss nur ein Gerät in den Datenbus des Flugzeugs eingebunden werden.In addition to this centrally organized structure of the W & B system, in which a WCU monitors all cargo holds, there is still the possibility of a subdivision the device in subsystems, which are arranged in the individual cargo spaces and interconnected by means of a bus system. The CAN bus is also suitable for this. In this case, the WCUs are networked in an advantageous manner in master-slave arrangement, with only the master has an interface for connection to the AFDX bus of the aircraft. As a result, only one device needs to be integrated into the data bus of the aircraft.

Bevorzugt ermittelt jede WCU das Gewicht und die Gewichtsverteilung der in dem zugehörigen Frachtraum oder den zugehörigen Frachträumen befindlichen Frachtstücke und übermittelt diese Daten an die Master-WCU, die daraus das Gesamtgewicht und/oder den Schwerpunkt des Flugzeugs berechnet. Alternativ erhält jede der WCUs die Daten aus allen Frachträumen und berechnet das Gesamtgewicht und/oder den Schwerpunkt des Flugzeugs. Dadurch wird eine Redundanz der Berechnung erzielt.Each WCU preferably determines the weight and the weight distribution of the freight items contained in the associated cargo space or the associated cargo spaces and transmits this data to the master WCU, which calculates therefrom the total weight and / or the center of gravity of the aircraft. Alternatively, each of the WCUs receives data from all cargo holds and calculates the overall weight and / or center of gravity of the aircraft. This results in a redundancy of the calculation.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungShort description of the drawing

Die Erfindung soll anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert werden. Dabei zeigt Figur 1 ein verteiltes W&B-System mit mehreren WCUsThe invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. It shows FIG. 1 a distributed W & B system with multiple WCUs

Wege zur Ausführung der ErfindungWays to carry out the invention

Dieses Ausführungsbeispiel zeigt die Verwendung eines erfindungsgemäßen W&B-Systems in einem Airbus A380-800. Flugzeuge dieses Typs sind mit einem AFDX-Datenbus 10 ausgerüstet und verfügen über insgesamt vier Frachtdecks (Hauptdeck, oberes Deck, unteres Deck vorne und unteres Deck hinten). Im Rahmen dieses Ausführungsbeispiels wird ein verteiltes System eingesetzt, bei dem jedes Frachtdeck mit einer WCU 1 - 4 ausgerüstet ist. Die WCUs sind untereinander über einen CAN-Bus 15 in einer Master-Slave-Anordnung verbunden, wobei die Master-WCU 1 zusätzlich über eine Schnittstelle zum Anschluss an den AFDX-Bus 10 verfügt. Das ebenfalls an diesen Bus angeschlossene EICAS 9 stellt den WCUs 1 - 4 grundlegende Informationen wie das Gewicht und den Schwerpunkt des unbeladenen Flugzeugs, Gewicht und Lagerort des Treibstoffs sowie weiterer Gegenstände zur Verfügung. Über den AFDX-Bus 10 besteht darüber hinaus eine Verbindung zwischen dem W&B-System und dem im Flugzeug vorhandenen Onboard Maintenance System (OMS) 16. Somit ist eine einfache Wartung des Systems möglich.This embodiment shows the use of a W & B system according to the invention in an Airbus A380-800. Aircraft of this type are equipped with an AFDX data bus 10 and have a total of four cargo decks (main deck, upper deck, lower deck front and lower deck rear). In the context of this embodiment, a distributed system is used, in which each cargo deck is equipped with a WCU 1-4. The WCUs are interconnected via a CAN bus 15 in a master-slave arrangement, the master WCU 1 additionally having an interface for connection to the AFDX bus 10. The EICAS 9, also connected to this bus, provides the WCUs 1 - 4 with basic information such as the weight and center of gravity of the unloaded aircraft, the weight and location of the fuel and other items. Moreover, there is a connection between the W & B system and the onboard maintenance system (OMS) 16 present in the aircraft via the AFDX bus 10. Thus, simple maintenance of the system is possible.

Ober den CAN-Bus 15 sind die WCUs 1 - 4 weiterhin mit den Door area Control Boxes (DCB) 11 - 14 und somit den Frachtladesystemen in den einzelnen Frachtdecks verbunden. Die DCBs dienen der Steuerung der Rollenförderer im Frachtraum, zum Beispiel mittels eines Joysticks. Die WCUs 1 - 4 sind außerdem mit RFID-Lesem 5 - 8 verbunden. Mittels der RFID-Leser 5 - 8 werden die in die Frachträume eingebrachten Frachtstücke identifiziert. Zu jedem Frachtstück ist in den WCUs 1 - 4 das jeweilige Gewicht hinterlegt. Die einem Frachtdeck zugeordneten Komponenten sind jeweils mit einem gestrichelten Viereck umrahmt.Via the CAN bus 15, the WCUs 1 - 4 are furthermore connected to the door area control boxes (DCB) 11 - 14 and thus to the freight loading systems in the individual cargo decks. The DCBs are used to control the roller conveyors in the cargo hold, for example by means of a joystick. The WCUs 1-4 are also connected to RFID readers 5-8. By means of the RFID reader 5 - 8, the freight items introduced into the cargo holds are identified. For each piece of freight in the WCUs 1 - 4 the respective weight is stored. The components associated with a cargo deck are each framed with a dashed quadrangle.

Über den AFDX-Bus 10 empfängt die WCU 1 vom EICAS 9 die grundlegenden Daten über das unbeladene Flugzeug. Wird ein neues Frachtstück in das Flugzeug verladen, so wird die Identifizierung des Frachtstücks über RFID ausgelesen und in der dem Frachtdeck zugeordneten WCU dem Frachtstück ein Gewicht zugeordnet. Mit diesem Gewicht und den Informationen über bereits eingeladene Frachtstücke berechnen die WCUs 1 - 4 das Gewicht und die Gewichtsverteilung der Frachtstücke in den jeweiligen Frachtdecks und übermitteln diese Daten an die WCU 1, die das Gesamtgewicht und/oder den Schwerpunkt des Flugzeugs mitsamt Ladung berechnet. Diese Werte können sowohl über den AFDX-Bus 10 an das EICAS 9 übertragen und im Cockpit angezeigt werden, als auch über den CAN-Bus 15 an die DCBs 11 - 14, um in den einzelnen Frachtdecks dargestellt zu werden.Via the AFDX bus 10, the WCU 1 receives from EICAS 9 the basic data about the unloaded aircraft. If a new freight item is loaded into the aircraft, the identification of the freight item is read out via RFID and a weight is assigned to the freight item in the WCU assigned to the freight deck. Using this weight and the information on previously loaded cargo, WCUs 1 - 4 calculate the weight and weight distribution of the cargo in the respective cargo deck and communicate that data to WCU 1, which calculates the total weight and / or center of gravity of the aircraft and cargo. These values can be transmitted via the AFDX bus 10 to the EICAS 9 and displayed in the cockpit, as well as via the CAN bus 15 to the DCBs 11-14 to be displayed in the individual cargo decks.

Mit Hilfe des Frachtladesystems wird das Frachtstück innerhalb des Frachtdecks an seine endgültige Position transportiert. Dabei erfassen Sensoren des Frachtladesystems ständig die aktuelle Position und melden diese über den CAN-Bus 15 an die zuständige WCU. Diese berechnet aus diesen Daten laufend die momentane Schwerpunktlage der Frachtstücke im Frachtdeck und übermittelt diese an die Master-WCU 1. Diese berechnet laufend das Gewicht und/oder den Schwerpunkt des Flugzeugs und vergleicht diese Werte mit festgelegten Grenzwerten. Sollten diese überschritten werden, so werden die Rollenförderer der Frachtladesysteme gestoppt und/oder ein entsprechender Alarm ausgelöst. Durch die Erfassung der Endpositionen der Frachtstücke kann die Einhaltung des Beladeplans kontrolliert und eventuell eine Nachbesserung veranlasst werden.With the help of the cargo loading system, the cargo is transported within the cargo deck to its final position. Sensors of the freight loading system constantly record the current position and report this via the CAN bus 15 to the responsible WCU. The latter continuously calculates the current center of gravity of the freight items in the cargo deck from this data and transmits them to the master WCU 1. This continuously calculates the weight and / or the center of gravity of the aircraft and compares these values with specified limit values. Should these be exceeded, the roller conveyors of the cargo loading systems are stopped and / or a corresponding alarm is triggered. By recording the final positions of the freight items, compliance with the loading plan can be checked and, if necessary, rectified.

Das oben angeführte Ausführungsbeispiel ist rein exemplarisch und daher nicht als beschränkend zu verstehen. Insbesondere können die Art und Anzahl der Komponenten sowie deren Anordnung variiert werden, ohne den Erfindungsgedanken zu verlassen. Gleichfalls ist die Anwendung nicht auf Flugzeuge beschränkt, sondern kann auch auf andere Transportmittel wie Hubschrauber und Schiffe übertragen werden. Auch ist eine abweichende Verteilung der Berechnungen auf die WCUs möglich.The above-mentioned embodiment is purely exemplary and therefore not to be construed as limiting. In particular, the type and number of components and their arrangement can be varied without departing from the inventive concept. Likewise, the application is not limited to aircraft, but can also on other means of transport such as helicopters and ships are transferred. Also, a different distribution of the calculations on the WCUs is possible.

In einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung erhält das W&B-System neben dem Gewicht der Frachtstücke auch deren jeweilige Schwerpunkte, wodurch eine noch genauere Berechnung des Schwerpunkts des Flugzeugs möglich ist.In a further development of the invention, the W & B system receives, in addition to the weight of the freight items, their respective center of gravity, whereby an even more accurate calculation of the center of gravity of the aircraft is possible.

BEZUGSZEICHENLISTELIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
WCUWCU
22
WCUWCU
33
WCUWCU
44
WCUWCU
55
RFID-EmpfängerRFID receiver
66
RFID-EmpfängerRFID receiver
77
RFID-EmpfängerRFID receiver
88th
RFID-EmpfängerRFID receiver
99
EICASEICAS
1010
AFDX-BusAFDX bus
1111
DCBDCB
1212
DCBDCB
1313
DCBDCB
1414
DCBDCB
1515
CAN-BusCAN bus
1616
OMSOMS

Claims (17)

  1. Method for monitoring the loading and/or unloading process of an aircraft, wherein
    - a piece of freight which has been introduced or is to be introduced into the aircraft is identified,
    - the piece of freight is associated with a weight,
    - the position of the piece of freight within a cargo deck of the aircraft is tracked continuously, and
    - the total weight and/or the centre of gravity of the aircraft is calculated continuously from aircraft information that is provided as well as the weights and positions of the pieces of freight.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the piece of freight is identified by means of a keyboard, a touch screen, a barcode reader and/or a receiver for infrared or radio signals (5-8).
  3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the piece of freight is actually identified immediately before being moved into the cargo bay.
  4. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the position of the piece of freight within the aircraft is tracked by means of a cargo loading system.
  5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the future centre of gravity of the aircraft is predicted from the aircraft information, the weights and positions of the pieces of freight, and the status of the cargo loading system.
  6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a warning is emitted if a limit value for the weight and/or the centre of gravity of the aircraft is overshot.
  7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the weight of the piece of freight is verified within the aircraft.
  8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the positions of the pieces of freight are compared with a loading plan.
  9. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the weight and/or the centre of gravity of the aircraft are/is indicated.
  10. Apparatus for monitoring the loading and/or unloading process of an aircraft, having
    - means (5-8) for identification of a piece of freight which has been introduced or is to be introduced into a cargo deck of the aircraft,
    - at least one interface (15) for connection of the apparatus to at least one system for continuous determination of the position of the pieces of freight, and
    - at least one computation unit (1-4) for continuous calculation of the total weight and/or of the centre of gravity of the aircraft from aircraft information that is provided as well as the weights and positions of the pieces of freight.
  11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that the system for determining the position of the pieces of freight is a cargo loading system.
  12. Apparatus according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized by an interface (10) for connection of the apparatus to a data bus in the aircraft.
  13. Apparatus according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the means (5-8) for identification of the piece of freight is a keyboard, a touch screen, a barcode reader and/or a receiver for infrared or radio signals.
  14. Apparatus according to one of Claims 10 to 13, characterized by an interface (10) for connection to an on-board maintenance system (16).
  15. Apparatus according to one of Claims 10 to 14, characterized by the apparatus being subdivided into subsystems which are arranged in the individual cargo bays and are connected to one another by means of a bus system (15).
  16. Apparatus according to one of Claims 10 to 15, characterized by at least one indication apparatus for indication of weight and/or the centre of gravity of the aircraft.
  17. Apparatus according to one of Claims 10 to 16, characterized by a scale, which is arranged in the aircraft, for monitoring the weight of the piece of freight.
EP06700778A 2005-01-13 2006-01-11 Device and method for controlling the loading and/or unloading process of an aeroplane Active EP1836465B1 (en)

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WO2006074908A1 (en) 2006-07-20
US20090105874A1 (en) 2009-04-23

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